By Florida Peanut Federation
Contributed
The Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) holds fast to its mission, which is to “strive to improve and develop a thriving and sustainable peanut industry, ensuring all of Florida’s peanut producers and allied partners the greatest opportunity to be successful.” This year, FPF’s Secretary/Treasurer, Donell Gwinn, was recognized by Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents with the Outstanding Agriculturalist of the Year award.
“It is because of members like Donell, that we are able to further our mission every day,” said FPF Executive Director Laura Fowler Goss. “He is a founding member and we are so proud to call him one of our own.”
Gwinn produces peanuts, iron clay peas, bahia grass seed, hay and beef cattle on a large farm named Gwinn Brothers Farm, with his brother, Robert. Gwinn is well known throughout Florida and South Georgia for his farming expertise, mentorship of others and conservation efforts. He’s been a leader in Best Management Practices sponsored by UF/IFAS and continues to assist other growers in learning these practices.
Gwinn was nominated by Bob Hochmuth, De Broughton, Sylvia Willis, Charles Barrett and Kevin Athearn. Only a couple of award recipients are selected each year, and the IFAS staff in Suwannee County are proud of their friend and local farmer for being chosen. “Donell has always been a patient and willing mentor with extension agents over the years and has made every agent a better agent and better person through working with him and seeing his willingness to share his knowledge and agricultural innovation,” said Robert (Bob) Hochmuth, Assistant Center Director and Regional Specialized Extension Agent - Vegetables for the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center - Suwannee Valley.
The Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents (FACAA) Outstanding Agriculturalist Award is presented to members of the agriculture community who contribute significantly to the industry as well as to UF/IFAS Extension Service. Bridget C. Stice, Chair of the FACAA Awards and Recognition Committee said, “I congratulate you, Mr. Gwinn, for winning this prestigious award and thank you for your service to the industry and the UF/IFAS Extension Service.”
The Florida Peanut Federation is a farmer-driven organization, whose purpose is to improve the business conditions of Florida’s peanut producers and to promote a healthy peanut market. FPF funds and promotes research projects based on real-time needs of producers in Florida’s peanut growing region. Florida Peanut Federation focuses on public relations and advertising to result in the further development, promotion, sale and use of Florida grown peanuts.